Servomotor Construction

There are two types of AC servomotors used with motion

control drives: synchronous and induction. Induction motors are
also referred to as asynchronous motors. The two basic
elements of all AC motors are the stator and rotor. The principle
of operation of a stator is the same in asynchronous and
synchronous motors. There are, however, differences in rotor
construction.

Stator and a Rotating A rotating magnetic field must be developed in the stator of an
Magnetic Field AC motor in order to produce mechanical rotation of the rotor.
Wire is coiled into loops and placed in slots in the motor
housing. These loops of wire are referred to as the stator
windings. The following drawing illustrates a three-phase stator.
Phase windings (A, B, and C) are placed 120° apart. In this
example, a second set of three-phase windings is installed. The
number of poles is determined by how many times a phase
winding appears. In this example, each phase winding appears
two times. This is a two-pole stator. If each phase winding
appeared four times it would be a four-pole stator.

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Magnetic Field When AC voltage is applied to the stator, current flows through
the windings. The magnetic field developed in a phase winding
depends on the direction of current flow through that winding.
The following chart is used here for explanation only. It assumes
that a positive current flow in the A1, B1 and C1 windings result
in a north pole.

Winding Current Flow Direction

Positive Negative
A1 North South
A2 South North
B1 North South
B2 South North
C1 North South
C2 South North

It is easier to visualize a magnetic field if a time is picked when

no current is flowing through one phase. In the following
illustration, for example, a time has been selected during which
phase A has no current flow, phase B has current flow in a
negative direction, and phase C has current flow in a positive
direction. Based on the above chart, B1 and C2 are south poles
and B2 and C1 are north poles. Magnetic lines of flux leave the
B2 north pole and enter the nearest south pole, C2. Magnetic
lines of flux also leave the C1 north pole and enter the nearest
south pole, B1. A magnetic field results as indicated by the
arrow.

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 The amount of flux lines (Φ) the magnetic field produces is
approximately equal to the voltage (E) divided by the frequency
(F). Increasing the supply voltage increases the flux of the
magnetic field. Decreasing the frequency increases the flux.

If the field is evaluated at 60° intervals from the starting point, at

point 1 it can be seen that the field will rotate 60°. At point 1
phase C has no current flow, phase A has current flow in a
positive direction and phase B has current flow in a negative
direction. Following the same logic as used for the starting
point, windings A1 and B2 are north poles and windings A2 and
B1 are south poles. At the end of six such intervals the
magnetic field will have rotated one full revolution or 360°.

Synchronous Speed The speed of the rotating magnetic field is referred to as

synchronous speed (NS). Synchronous speed is equal to 120
times the frequency (F), divided by the number of poles (P). If
the applied frequency of the two-pole stator used in the
previous example is 60 hertz, synchronous speed is 3600 RPM.

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Synchronous Rotor Synchronous motors are not induction motors. They are called
“synchronous” because the rotor operates at the same speed
as the rotating magnetic field. There are different methods to
achieve synchronization between the rotor and the rotating
manetic field. The most common method in servomotor
applications is the use of a permanent magnet rotor. Permanent
rare-earth magnets are glued onto the rotor. This type of rotor is
found on smaller synchronous motors. A synchronous motor of
this design is relatively small with low rotor inertia. The smaller,
low inertia rotor provides fast acceleration and high overload
torque ratings.

When the stator windings are energized, a rotating magnetic

field is established. The permanent magnet rotor has its own
magnetic field that interacts with the rotating magnetic field of
the stator. The north pole of the rotating magnetic field attracts
the south pole of the permanent magnet rotor. As the rotating
magnetic field rotates, it pulls the permanent magnet rotor,
causing it to rotate.

DC Motor Comparison A permanent magnet synchronous motor can be compared to a

standard DC motor. A DC motor consists of a stator and rotor.
The rotor windings are made up conductors that terminate at a
commutator. DC voltage is applied to the rotor thru carbon
brushes which ride on the commutator.

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A permanent electromagnet with north and south poles is
established when DC voltage is applied to the stator. The
resultant magnetic field is static (non-rotational).

The DC voltage applied to the rotor conductors causes current

to flow. This current reverses direction twice per revolution.
Voltage polarity is such that during one half of a revolution
current flows through half the conductors in one direction and
half of the conductors in the opposite direction.

Current flow momentarily decreases to zero in a conductor

when a brush is in direct contact with it. Polarity of the applied
voltage is reversed. This is known as commutation. Current flow
through the conductor increases in the opposite direction. The
resultant magnetic field reverse polarity for the second half of a
revolution.

The resultant magnetic armature fields are of opposite polarity

to the main stator field. The north pole of the rotor is attracted to
the south pole of the stator and rotation results.

conductor.

There are weak points with this design. The commutator adds
significant weight to the rotor, increasing inertia and reducing
acceleration capability. The design of the commutator also limits
the maximum speed of the motor. Current flow through rotor
windings generates heat in the center of the motor that requires
some method of cooling, such as intenal ventilation. In addition,
there are added maintanance cost, such as brushes, which
must be checked and replaced regularly.

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Synchronous Servomotor Permanent magnet synchronous servomotors offer many
advantages over DC motors. The permanent magnetic field is
generated by the rotor instead of the stator. There is no current
flow to generate heat in the rotor. Instead, heat is generated in
the stator windings which are close to the surface of the motor.
In many applications natural convection cooling is all that is
required. In some more demanding applications an external
blower provides sufficient cooling. Since no internal ventilation
is required, servomotors can be built to higher degrees of
protection. Servomotors have a higher efficiency since there are
no losses in a rotor/armature winding.

In addition, there is no commutator to limit speed or

acceleration. Instead of switching rotor current mechanically to
establish the correct polarity of the rotor’s magnetic field, the
MASTERDRIVE MC commutates the magnetic field of the
stator electronically. In order to accomplish this the drive must
monitor the position of the permanent magnet rotor with
respect to the rotating magnetic field of the stator. This
information is provided to the drive by a feedback device known
as an enccoder. On permanent magnet type synchronous
motors, the encoder must give the absolute position of the rotor
within one revolution.

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Asynchronous Rotor Siemens also offers asynchronous (induction) servomotors. The
most common type of rotor used with asynchronous motors is
the “squirrel cage” rotor. The construction of the squirrel cage
rotor is reminiscent of the rotating exercise wheels found in
cages of pet rodents. The rotor consists of a stack of steel
laminations with evenly spaced conductor bars around the
circumference. The conductor bars are mechanically and
electrically connected with end rings. A slight skewing of the
bars helps to reduce audible hum. The shaft is an integral part of
the rotor construction.

There is no direct electrical connection between the stator and

the rotor or between the power supply and the rotor of an
asynchronous motor. When a conductor, such as a conductor
bar of the rotor, passes through a magnetic field, a voltage (emf)
is induced in it. The induced voltage causes current flow in the
conductor.

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 Current flow in the conductor bars produces magnetic fields
around each rotor bar. The rotor becomes an electromagnet with
alternating north and south poles. It must be remembered that
current and magnetic fields of the stator and rotor are constantly
changing. The following drawing illustrates one instant in time
during which current flow through winding A1 produces a north
pole. The expanding field cuts across an adjacent rotor bar,
inducing a voltage. The resultant magnetic field in the rotor
tooth produces a south pole, which is attracted to the stator’s
north pole. As the stator magnetic field rotates the rotor follows.

Asynchronous Slip There must be a difference in speed between the rotor of an

asynchronous motor and the rotating magnetic field. This is
known as slip. If the rotor and the rotating magnetic field were
turning at the same speed, no relative motion would exist
between the two and no lines of flux would be cut. With no flux
lines cut no voltage would be induced in the rotor. The
difference in speed is called slip. Slip is necessary to produce
torque.

Slip is dependent on load. An increase in load will cause the

rotor to slow down, that is to increase the slip. A decrease in
load will cause the rotor to speed up or decrease slip. The
following formula is used to calculate slip. For example, a four-
pole motor operated at 60 Hz has a synchronous speed of 1800
RPM. If rotor speed at full load were 1765 RPM, slip is 1.9%.

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 Servomotor Ratings

Siemens Servomotors Servomotors, like the Siemens servomotor shown below, are
high-performance motors specifically designed for use with the
high demand of variable speed drives and motion control
applications.

Nameplate The nameplate of a motor provides important information

necessary when applying a motor to an AC drive and motion
control application.

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Catalog and Serial Number The catalog number gives important information about the
motor. The first four digits of the catalog number are the model
number. In this case it is a 1FT6 synchronous servomotor. In
addition to the 1FT6 Siemens also manufactures a 1FK6
synchronous servomotor. There is also the 1PH7, 1PL6, and
1PH4 asynchronous servomotors.

1FT6082-8AF71-1AG1

The serial number (Nr) is used to identify the motor.

E J899 1745 01 001 EN 60034

Voltage The example motor, like all 1FK6 and 1FT6 motors, is rated for
380 to 460 VAC, which correlates to an effective voltage in the
stator windings of 240 VAC. Induction motors are designed to
operate on a voltage source that supplies a smooth sinusoidal
sine wave, such as the one shown below.

AC variable speed drives, unfortunately, do not produce a

smooth sinusoidal waveform. Modern drives produce a PWM
(pulse width modulation) waveform. This technology produces
very rapid changes in voltage, resulting in high voltage spikes
that can shorten the life of a motor. In addition, motion control
applications typically incorporate quick starts and stops which
add further stress to a standard motor. Siemens servomotors
are specifically designed to operate with the PWM waveform
produced by modern AC variable-speed motion control drives.

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Speed and Torque Rated speed is the nameplate speed, given in RPM, where the
motor develops rated torque (τn) at rated voltage. This motor, for
example, is rated to develop 10.3 Nm of torque at 3000 RPM
with a supply voltage range of 380 to 460 VAC, which correlates
to an effective voltage in the stator windings of 240 VAC. The
nameplate of the 1F.6 motors also shows ratings when the
supply voltage is reduced 50%. At 50% supply voltage rated
speed is 1500 RPM, rated torque is 11.7 Nm, and the effective
stator winding voltage is 120 VAC. This information is put in
parenthesis because this supply voltage is outside the rated
voltage of the MASTERDRIVE MC drive.

The nameplate on this motor also gives a maximum speed of

4160 RPM. Maximum speed is the fastest speed the motor can
operate at and still develop enough torque to maintain that
speed with some amount of load. Variable speed drives are
capable of running a motor at various speeds. When a variable
speed drive is set to turn a motor faster than rated speed, the
motor’s ability to develop continuous and overload torque is
diminished. A variable speed drive should not be set to operate
a servomotor above its maximum speed.

Current Stall (Stand still) current is 8.2 amps at zero speed and stall
torque (τo) with 60 K rise. The Current at stall is 10.7 amps with
a 100 K rise.

Stall Torque and Current Stall describes a condition where power is supplied to the
motor but the rotor is at zero speed. This condition occurs when
an AC drive is causing the motor to act as an electrical brake to
hold the connected load at a specific position.

Stall Current (Io) is the current drawn by the motor that is

required to produce the given stall torque (τ0).

Stall torque is also a thermal limiting torque when the motor is

at standstill, corresponding to 60 K or 100 K temperature rise.
Stall torque is available at zero speed for an unlimited time.

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Insulation Class In an electrical circuit, current causes heat. A certain amount of
current will flow in the windings of a motor as soon as it is
started. This will cause motor temperature to rise. DIN
(Deutsche Industrie Normenausschuss) is a set of German
standards now used in other countries. DIN VDE 0530 classifies
the accepted amount of temperature rise. The three most
commonly used classes are B, F, and H.

Before a motor is started its windings are at the temperature of

the surrounding air. This is known as ambient temperature. The
standard ambient temperature for electrical equipment is 40° C.
Each insulation class has a specific allowable temperature rise.
Ambient temperature and allowable temperature rise equals the
maximum winding temperature in a motor. In addition, a margin
is allowed to provide for a point at the center of the motor’s
windings where the temperature is higher. This is referred to as
the motor’s hot spot.

Temperature rise is always given in absolute values. The

absolute value of Celsius is the Kelvin (K). Kelvin is the SI unit of
temperature. The degree sign (°) is not used with Kelvin.

The insulation or thermal class (Th. CL. F.) of the example motor
is Class F. Class F insulation has a maximum temperature rise of
105 K. The maximum winding temperature is 145° C (40° C
ambient plus 105 K rise). The maximum steady-state
temperature of a motor with Class F insulation is 155° C.

The operating temperature of a motor is an important factor in

efficient operation and long life. Operating a motor above the
limits of the insulation class reduces the motor’s life
expectancy. A 10 K increase in the operating temperature can
decrease the life expectancy of a motor as much as 50%.

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Stall Torque, Current, There are two ratings for stall torque (τo), stall current (Io), and
and Temperature Rise temperature rise given for this motor. These ratings are related.

τo = 10.4/13.0 Nm
Io = 8.20/10.7 A
Temperature Rise = 60/100 K

The motor begins developing torque to turn the connected load.

If the load is such that it only requires 10.4 Nm of torque at stall,
current will be 8.20 A and the temperature rise will be 60 K. If
the load requires 13.0 Nm at stall, current will be 10.7 A and
temperature rise will be 100 K. This is well within Class F
temperature limitations.

IP Protection The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an

organization that, among other things, defines the degree of
protection provided by enclosures. IEC is associated with
electrical equipment sold in many countries, including the
United States.

The IEC system of classification consists of the letters IP

followed by two numbers. The first number indicates the
degree of protection provided by the enclosure with respect
to persons and solid objects entering the enclosure. The
second number indicates the degree of protection against the
ingress of water. The motor indicated by the sample nameplate
is dust tight and protected against splashing water (IP 64).

1st Number Description

0 Not Protected
1 Protected Against Objects Greater than 50 mm
2 Protected Against Objects Greater than 12 mm
3 Protected Against Objects Greater than 2.5 mm
4 Protected Against Objects Greater than 1.0 mm
5 Protected Against Dust
6 Dust Tight
2nd Number
0 Not Protected
1 Protected Against Dripping Water
2 Protected Against Dripping Water when Tilted up to 15°
3 Protected Against Spraying Water
4 Protected Against Splashing Water
5 Protected Against Water Jets
6 Protected Against Heavy Seas
Protected Against the Effects of Immersion for Specific
7
Time and Pressure
Protected Against Continuous Submersion Under
8
Conditions Specified by the Manufacturer

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Review 3
1. Two types of servomotors used in motion control drives
are ____________ and ____________ .

2. Phase windings in a 3-phase motor are located

____________ degrees apart.

3. The speed of the rotating magnetic field is known as

____________ speed.

4. The difference between rotor speed and synchronous

speed of an asynchronous motor is known as
____________ .

5. The output of a PWM type drive is ____________ .

a. sinusoidal
b. pulse width modulated

6. The temperature rise of insulation class F is

____________ K.

7. A motor that is dust tight and protected against

splashing water would have an IP rating of
____________ .

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 Speed-Torque Characteristics

Duty Cycle All motors are limited by the amount of heat that can develop in
the motor windings. Speed-torque curves are based on
standardized duty cycles which lead to the same temperature
rise. The number of possible duty cycle types is almost infinite.
To help promote a better understanding, duty cycles have been
divided into nine standardized categories, which cover most of
the applications encountered.

S1 Continuous Running Duty

S2 Short-Time Duty
S3 Intermittent Periodic Duty Without Starting
S4 Intermittent Periodic Duty With Starting
S5 Intermittent Periodic Duty with Starting and
Electric Braking
S6 Continuous Operation Periodic Duty
S7 Continuous Operation Periodic Duty with Starting
and Electric Braking
S8 Continuous Operation Periodic Duty with Related
Load/Speed Changes
S9 Continuous Operation Duty with Non-Periodic Load
and Speed Variations

Duty cycle profiles can become complex. S1, S3, and S6,
however, are three common duty cycles. Part 2 of the General
Motion Control Catalog provides speed/torque curves for S1
and intermittent/periodic duty cycles where applicable.

S1 Duty Each duty cycle is characterized by cycle times, cycle durations,

and load. S1 duty cycle, for example, characterizes a condition
where the motor operates under constant load of sufficient
duration for thermal equilibrium to be established. All motors
listed in the Siemens catalog are designed for continuous duty
type S1, unless otherwise indicated.

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S3 Duty S3 duty operation is comprised of a sequence of identical duty
cycles, each of which consists of a period of constant load
followed by an interval of no load. Starting current has no
marked effect on the temperature rise of the motor. Operating
time is given in minutes, such as 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60
minutes. If no time is given a 10 minute cycle time is assumed.
Cycle duty is given in a percent such as 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%,
or 40%. An S3 duty cycle of 40% for 10 minutes, for example,
would indicate a motor load would be constant for 40% of the
time (4 minutes). A no load condition would occur for 60% of
the time (6 minutes).

S6 Duty S6 duty operation is similar to S3 duty operation. The main

difference is that there aren’t any de-energized intervals. The
motor remains energized during the no load interval. Operating
time and cycle duration are given in the same manner as for S3
duty operation.

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Speed-Torque Curve A motor can be identified by its frame size, which is associated
of Synchronous with useful mounting information. The speed and torque
Servomotor characteristics for a given frame size depend upon the motor
windings available. A common approach for representing the
range of speed and torque characteristics available for a given
motor frame size is the speed-torque curve.

A speed-torque curve, like the one shown in the following

illustration, shows a motor frame which can be wound for
various speeds and duty cycles. A letter in the catalog number
is used to designate the speed of the motor. A speed-torque
curve will show the expected torque performance of a motor for
a specific duty cycle at a given speed. The motor frame for a
permanent magnet synchronous motor illustrated by the
following speed-torque curve is used on four different motor
windings: 2000, 3000, 4500, and 6000 RPM. Torque ratings in
this example are shown for S1 and S3 duty cycles.

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 The speed-torque curve can be made less confusing by filtering
out information so that only the applicable winding and duty
cycles are shown. In the following illustration a motor with an F
winding (3000 RPM) is used. The rated stall torque (zero speed
torque) when operating the motor in S1 duty is about 1.1 Nm
(0.81 lb ft). As the motor accelerates to rated speed, torque
decreases to approximately 0.9 Nm (0.66 lb ft) due to friction
(bearings) and stator losses (mainly eddy currents). The
maximum torque that the motor can supply for a short period of
time at rated speed is called τlimit.

If the motor speed is increased beyond rated speed (3000 RPM)

continuously available torque, indicated by the S1 line,
continues to decrease. The maximum speed is defined by the
intersection of the S1 line with the voltage limiting curve. The
voltage limiting curve must be followed from that point on.
Higher speeds result in reduced available torque.

The maximum torque or current limiting curve indicates the

maximum available short-time torque of the motor. Exceeding
the limit results in a sudden demagnetizing of the permanent
magnets, destroying the synchronous motor.

The rated stall torque when operating the motor in S3 duty is

approximately 1.5 Nm (1.1 lb ft). Torque will remain constant until
about 2000 RPM. Torque will then decrease slightly to
approximately 1.4 Nm (1.0) at 3000 RPM. Torque will continue to
decrease as motor speed is increased above the rated speed of
3000 RPM.

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Speed-Torque Curve for Speed-torque curves can also be supplied for a specific motor.
Specific Motors Larger motors are rated in Newton meters (Nm) and pound-feet
(lb-ft). Smaller motors are rated in Newton meters (Nm) and
pound-inches (lb-in). The following speed-torque curve, for
example, shows the operating capabilities of a 1FT6082 motor.
The motor associated with this curve can deliver 13 Nm (115 lb-
in) at stall and 10.3 Nm (91.2 lb-in) at rated speed (3000 RPM)
continuously. The region in the light grey area of the graph
represents a continuous operating range (S1 duty cycle). The
area represented by the dark grey region of the graph
represents the intermittent operating region.

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